Researchers Turn Minnesota Lake into Large Laboratory

KSTP-TV reports that the Koronis Lake Association has spent $500,000 on a project at Lake Koronis to address starry stonewort. The association says cleaning boats and trailers can help stop the spread of the invasive plant and early detection is important.

Dan Larkin is with the University of Minnesota's Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center. He says researchers hope to learn more about the species' biology, how it impacts areas and how to manage it.

The plant was first found in Minnesota in Lake Koronis in 2015 but has since spread to 13 Minnesota lakes. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says the plant is a bright green macro-algae that can choke out native plants and fish habitat.